How to protect your health from wildfire smoke:
Evacuate if active fire is too close
Wear a high quality mask with headstraps; N95s are great, P100s are most protective
Stay indoors, and close your windows and doors
Run air purifiers on high to filter smoke that seeps inside
On masks:
N95 and P100 masks can be found at hardware stores and pharmacies
A tight seal is key, these masks will have two straps that
go around your head
N95s will protect against ash and particles in smoke; P100s will additionally protect against toxic gases (check labels)
On staying indoors:
Close windows and doors, but make sure you can escape easily if needed
Stay cool; run fans, use AC in recirculation mode
Run a HEPA air purifier or HVAC with high-efficiency filter (MERV 13+)
Avoid activities that create smoke or other particles indoors
Particle pollution represents a main component of wildfire smoke and the principal public health threat.
Particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, where they can cause respiratory problems and increase risk of heart attack, stroke, lung cancer and more.
Toxic gases are also produced by wildfires and can be dangerous to health.
Carbon monoxide dilutes rapidly, so presents most danger for those in very close proximity to the wildfire source.
Ozone is not emitted directly, but forms in chemical reactions as smoke moves downwind.
Sources:
https://www.airnow.gov/sites/default/files/2021-12/protect-your-lungs-from-wildfire-smoke-or-ash.pdf
https://www.airnow.gov/sites/default/files/2022-02/how-to-create-a-clean-room-at-home.pdf
https://www.epa.gov/wildfire-smoke-course/why-wildfire-smoke-health-concern
https://www.airnow.gov/sites/default/files/2021-05/wildfire-smoke-guide-revised-2019-chapters-1-3.pdf
@luckytran
If yer told to evacuate, LEAVE, Of my friends in Altadena they got out just as the embers were
blowin across the street last night.
My friends have last night evacuated from Topanga. The speed is numbing, please dont wait.
Looks like they may loose their homes in Topanga Canyon.
@stanleyHootzz @luckytran Ideally leave _before_ the evacuation order comes. That's one traffic jam that you definitely don't want to be part of.